"I still remember you"
"Two tiaras, and a butterfly that shine forever."
That is the statement of a beautiful painting that was the center of attention of a famous museum, a painting that held the most tender story that could be told around that place. Which story does it refer to?
The classrooms of the northway university sheltered the flight of an excellent student, a genius of art and painting whom everyone nicknamed "the wonderful John". Even as a teenager, he was already displaying an innate talent that foreshadowed a successful future. Gallant and gentlemanly, all the girls with beautiful silhouettes approached him to be the muse of his paintings, but Jhon's coldness and solitude awaited a delicate secret that would soon be revealed by the most ordinary of all girls.
Her name was Jade, and in honor of her name she was a girl of pure charm. Her eyes were two true gems matched with the sweetest smile that could exist. Her beauty was the yearning of everyone at the university, with the exception of one boy that made her really uneasy: Jhon. For months she had tried to create an ideal moment to get close to him, but it was one failed attempt after another.
-So you're saying he doesn't even have any friends- Jade asked one of her friends.
-He's always alone. And he never goes to parties or outings-
-They say he's a strange man. A kind of mysterious painter- added another of her friends jokingly.
But Jade was a tenacious and persistent woman, so she never stopped looking for a moment to be near John. One afternoon, a torrential rain lashed the city, as Jade was on her way home on the bus. Suddenly she looked down at the sidewalk, and was surprised to see Jhon walking in the rain.
-This is my chance- thought Jade, and without hesitation she got off at the next stop.
It took only one block, and the brave girl caught up with Jhon.
-Why are you walking in the rain? It was the way Jade introduced herself.
-I'm just trying to find a moment of inspiration to paint- answered Jhon.
-Then get inspired and make a painting about me," and with her tender look and sweet smile Jade challenged him.
-I don't want to think about you and then forget you, Jade," and just like that Jhon entered his house, leaving the girl outside under a torrential downpour.
Jade was shocked. She didn't understand Jhon's words and she didn't understand how he already knew her. It was many sleepless nights for Jade, and more so when she saw that Jhon didn't return to the university for days. "I need an explanation," reasoned the girl, and so without further ado she decided to go to the home of the wonderful Jhon.
On the way, Jade kept thinking about what she would say to Jhon when she had him in front of her, but the truth was that when she arrived at the place, she realized that there was no one at home. About to go back, she took a look at the garage, and seeing the door ajar, she decided to go in.
-I'd rather take my chances than be sorry- whispered Jade as she burst in.
Upon entering, Jade turned on the light, and in a matter of seconds her amazement was greater. Many pictures and paintings filled the space. Landscapes, animals and people captured in beautiful paintings crafted by Jhon. There were many, and Jade couldn't stop admiring them until she saw one in which two people were walking in the rain.
-That's me!" Jade cried out with tenderness and excitement.
And that startle signaled Jhon's arrival.
-What are you doing here?- asked Jhon eagerly.
-I just want to know why you won't let me near you- and with some frustration Jade looked down and cried.
Then Jhon understood that Jade was not just another girl who only wanted the fame and popularity of her work, but that she was really interested in him. He sensed Jade's affection, and taking her by the hand he confessed:
"Jade. To get close to you today would be to forget you tomorrow."
And so Jhon shared his bitter secret. A strong depression in his childhood caused Jhon a permanent emotional disorder. Every feeling or emotion he harbors is like a poisonous pang that he can only bear for seven days, which leads him to take a hard and cruel therapy: to erase what he has been able to live in those seven days. The paintings are for Jhon a kind of "memories" that he can only archive and capture in paint.
-I don't want to give you only seven days of my love and my life- exclaimed Jhon with total feeling.
-Then give me just one day, and you'll see how that will become the most beautiful thing for me-
And with his eyes and smile, Jhon gave in to Jade's charm. Without thinking about painful therapies or sad memories, Jade and the wonderful Jhon lived a memorable day: they laughed, joked and cried in front of a good coffee, a delicious meal and a dessert made by Jade herself, which was not quite right but for love everything seems magical and sweet. An unforgettable experience that ended with a warm walk on the beach.
-Would you dare to make a painting about me- said Jade with a blushing look on her face.
But before Jhon's silence, perhaps thinking that he would never remember all that again, Jade added:
-I hope that someday you will give me a painting of the most beautiful thing your eyes have ever seen.
The reality is that there was never a day as special for Jhon as the one he lived with Jade. And the impact of that date was so great, that Jhon accepted Jade's request: he made a painting of the most beautiful landscape he had ever seen, and he made an appointment with Jade for a future date.
-Next week?- the doctor replied with astonishment.
Jhon had told him that he had decided to delay his therapy. That way Jhon could continue to feel a deep appreciation and love for Jade, and in this way give her the picture he had painted for her. Jade's absence extended for several days, until one dull and rainy afternoon a letter carrier arrived with a delivery for the wonderful Jhon from Jade, which read:
" Thank you for making me feel happy, dear Jhon. Thank you for letting me give you a day in my life, and that you have been my life in just one day".
And that letter contained a document confirming Jade's departure due to a voracious cancer that left her lifeless.
Jade always knew what awaited her, but even so she never stopped fighting and achieving something that would never be erased from her heart. She never showed her illness but never let it keep her from true love. She was willing to be just a beautiful seven-day memory for John, even if it meant being forgotten forever.
Today the most famous painting of the place is a painting in which two diadems seem to float above the flight of a butterfly, a portrait in honor of the most beautiful landscape that the wonderful John contemplated: The eyes and the smile of Jade. On certain afternoons, an already aged gentleman is seen perched in front of the memorable painting, with evident pain in his chest and a beautiful sentiment that allows him to say: "I still remember you".
THE END.
Very beautifully written, and the story flows at its own pace but I'd rather see the love story blooming at its fullest, you know, laughter, memories, togetherness and alike. But, they are your characters, you decide how you want them to be. Again, I'm delighted by this short-lived romantic yet dejected story of Jade & John. Keep it up.
Thank you very much for giving attention to this publication and sharing your opinion about the story 👍
Greetings to you 👋
It was my pleasure reading this gem. Thanks
A story of doomed lovers, but not doomed love. The two may meet and be destined to separate but manage to steal from fate one moment, one day that will be enough for a lifetime.
Your story paints a beautiful picture and describes two memorable characters. The cancer is a bit hard to accept--consumes her in just a matter of days? And yet, she seemed well when they met? Still, the poetry of this piece redeems it.
Thank you for sharing this lovely story with us, @cajiro
I must admit it wasn't the best of endings, probably leaving a blip at the tail end of the story 🧐
Thank you very much for the comment. Regards